GM Jaan Ehlvest topped the field in Curacao to take home the trophy, 1500$ and the satisfaction of what he calls "being paid to be on holiday." Read the full story for games, photos and final report.
Read more...

With a no holds-barred attacking style, 13-year-old New Yorker Marc Arnold became our new Cadet (U16) Champion. He placed ahead of seven others in the 2006 edition held in Dallas(July 15-21).
Read more...

We recommend you solve these mates and helpmates beachside on your laptop-- with fritz turned off. E-mail or mail twelve correct answers before anyone else and get a free, signed copy of U.S. Problem Anthology, a problem collection compiled by Edgar Holladay.
Read more...

The annual Curacao chess festival kicked off with the usual blend of sunbathing, time scrambles,and pina coladas. After four rounds, GM Jaan Ehlvest leads 4-0. Read the full story for photos and WGM Rusudan Goletiani's action-packed round three victory over GM Alexander Shabalov.
Read more...

Robert Hess, the youngest player in the tournament, could have played in the concurrent Cadet Championship. He decided on the Junior because he revels in strong competition. Coached by GM Miron Sher, this soon to be Stuyvesant freshman relied on his confidence and nerves when it looked like Cinderella story Jake Kleiman would take it all... Check out our full report with games and photos.
Read more...

IM Blas Lugo organized his first major international tournament in Miami, Florida (July 7-9) and is already planning a winter edition.

Dozens of strong Cuban-American players live in Miami, including GM Julio Becerra and young star of the event, Bruci Lopez who tied for first with GM Vladimir Georgiev. Others traveled from all over the country to enjoy the luxurious, well-sponsored tournament.

Chess Life Online is very sad to report that Grandmaster Aleksander Wojtkiewicz passed away on Friday, July 14 around 6 pm. We lost Wojtkiewicz at the top of his game. He was among the nine players tied for first in the World Open (July) and the winner of the National Open. (June)
We will update this as soon as possible with information on funeral arrangements as well as some memories of Aleks.
Read more...

Chess Life Online is committed to bringing you updates several times a week. However, due to unforeseen technical problems, these updates have been delayed the week of July 10-15. Look for the July Chess Life and new www.uschess.org material the week of July 17. Thanks for your patience!
Read more...